1982

Arkley now set about consolidating his ‘figurative turn’. Primitive Gold 1982 and Primitive Silver 1982, both reprising the imagery of Primitive [mural] (1981) [W/P], were included in Paul Taylor’s influential ‘Popism’ exhibition at the NGV in June/July. Both paintings featured in the national and international coverage this show received. The NGV acquired the gold canvas, and the silver version was purchased by noted Melbourne art dealer John Buckley.Meanwhile, in an extensive series of works on paper, Arkley systematically mapped out a series of subjects that he would explore in subsequent years – including his earliest overtly suburban image, Untitled [Suburban study] (1982) [W/P].

A series of photos from 1982 (Arkley archive), documents the artist’s collection of blow-up toys, some of which later served as source material. A selection of these photos was included in HA Monash 1991, as cat.41 (dated to c.1982). In one photo, shown here, two of the toys were arranged in a quirky diorama incorporating the artist’s works; the toy cat visible here was referenced later in Blue Chip Instant Decorator: a Room (1991-2) [3/M].